‘Magic Barrel’ brings writers, musicians, local eateries together

By The Entertainer

Corvallis — Among the writers reading at the upcoming Magic Barrel: A Reading to Fight Hunger are three writers with ties to Oregon State University, two finalists for this year’s Oregon Book Award and two columnists whose work appears regularly in the Gazette-Times. The event takes place at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the Majestic Theater in downtown Corvallis, 115 S.W. Second St.

Roger Weaver, professor emeritus in the OSU English, deptartment and Clemens Starck, a journeyman carpenter formerly with OSU Facilities Services, will read their poetry. Jana Zvibleman, an editor in the OSU Research Office, will emcee the Oct. 27 event that raises money for Linn-Benton Food Share.

Other readers include Gina Ochsner and Geronimo Tagatac, both of who are finalists for the 2006 Oregon Book Award for their new works of fiction. Gazette-Times columnists Peg Elliott Mayo and Jeff Taylor will also read, joined by novelist Rick Borsten and Eugene author Anita Sullivan.

“Live literature and good food are both tasty and nutritious, feeding the body and the soul, but many people in our community don’t get enough of either,” said Charles Goodrich, local writer and a member of the organizing committee.

The four-person John Bliss Xtet will provide live music starting a half hour before the show begins and again after the readings, when complimentary beverages and desserts from First Alternative Co-op and other eateries will be served. Grass Roots Books & Music will be on hand with autographed books.

The proceeds from The Magic Barrel are donated to the Linn-Benton Food Share for local hunger relief. For every dollar raised, Linn-Benton Food Share will distribute 15 pounds of food for the hungry in the local area.

Now in its 13th year, the event is named after the short story collection “The Magic Barrel,” which the Bernard Malamud wrote while living in Corvallis and teaching in the OSU English department. The event is co-sponsored by the OSU Center for the Humanities.

Admission is a suggested donation of $7 at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. For more information, call Gregg Kleiner at 753-8080.